As she slashed and sliced with her stolen sword, Gabrielle spotted Ugolin le Clou, his desperate gaze frantically scanning the tournament field where arrows from castle archers rained death upon his besieged men. He sprinted toward a saddled horse, abandoning his beleaguered knights.
The coward is trying to flee the battlefield!
Before Ugolin le Clou could escape, Bastien removed the villain’s vile head with a savage slice of his sword.
Within minutes, bloodied enemy bodies littered the gruesome castle grounds.
Gabrielle glimpsed Lancelot and three of his loyal knights shielding Gaston, Quentin, and Max in one of Bastien’s tournament tents. He flashed her a reassuring grin of relief, as Esclados and Jeffroi—second in command of the knights of Beaufort—rode triumphantly across the battlefield to report to the king.
Bastien wiped Ugolin’s blood on the slain enemy’s tunic and dashed to Gabrielle’s side. “Thank the Goddess, you broke free of his hold.” Sheathing his sword, he wrapped an arm around her neck as she dropped her own bloodied blade. He pulled her into his arms, kissed her hair, and whispered into her ear, “It’s over. He’s gone. Ugolin le Clou can never harm you again.” Warm, fierce lips possessively claimed hers. “You’re finallymine.”
Sweat-drenched hair clinging to the sides of his ragged, haggard face, desperately clutching a shaking Gabrielle in his protective embrace, Bastien raised his head at the sound of approaching horses’ hooves.
Dozens of their own victorious knights returned on horseback to the devastated tournament field, lining up around the perimeter to await orders. Three commanders rode to the grandstand where Gaultier, Cardin, and the royal guards of Beaufort protected King Guillemin and his overwrought royal guests.
Taking her hand, Bastien led Gabrielle across the bloodied field to stand before her father.
Sir Jeffroi, atop his Friesian warhorse, removed his armored helmet and bowed his head humbly before the king. Eyes gleaming with battle fury, he bellowed triumphantly, “The castle is secure, my king. Ugolin le Clou is defeated. His army, eliminated.”
Sir Rodolphe, one of the three commanders reporting to King Guillemin, shouted proudly, “Six pirate ships were spotted in our harbor. Catapults sunk three enemy vessels. Archers with flaming arrows destroyed two others. The final ship fled in terror. My king, I am pleased to report that our coastal waters are once again secure.”
King Guillemin nodded in approval and recognition. “Ugolin le Clou coordinated an attack with his ally, the pirate Balthazar. You are to be commended for your valor and prompt response, Sir Rodolphe. You have honorably defendedle Château de Beaufort, and I am indeed grateful for your heroic actions. You shall be well compensated.” The king addressed Sir Thibault, his third in command. “Send scouts to patrol the castle grounds. Ensure that none of Ugolin’s men remain lurking in the forest.”
“Oui, Votre Majesté. À vos ordres.” Sir Thibault fisted his heart in fealty, reined in his warhorse, and departed with a battalion of knights.
“Gather the bodies of our fallen soldiers. Prepare them for an honorable burial tomorrow morning. Burn the corpses of the enemy. Including Ugolin le Clou.” The king issued orders to Sir Jeffroi, who departed immediately with his men to execute the royal command.
Young Gaston seated in the saddle before him, Lancelot trotted up to Bastien on his Percheron stallion. Quentin and Max rode destriers at his side. “Ugolin’s father, Robert Cauchon, departed withle Vicomte de Vannes. They left in the carriage with the Lady Béatrice’s traveling companions from Paris.”
“A coward, just like his son.” Bastien spat on the ground, eyeing Ugolin’s corpse with contempt and disgust.
From the royal grandstand, King Guillemin boomed heartily. “You, Sir Bastien de Landuc, are the winner of the Yuletide Joust. I congratulate you on your victory. And proudly grant you my lovely daughter’s hand in marriage.” Triumphant pride shone on his grinning, bearded face. “Once again, you have saved my daughter’s life. And, thanks to the training she received from you, she was able to defend herself against Ugolin le Clou. To fight like a Viking warrior queen and defend Finistère.”
He raised outstretched arms toward Gabrielle and Bastien. “My daughter and her intended husband. I bequeath my kingdom to you as my official heirs.”
While Bastien and Gabrielle beamed with delight, wrapped in each other’s arms, the king surveyed the destruction and devastation of the bloody battlefield before them. With a sad smile, he gestured to the trampled remains of the white silk tent. “Alas,chérie,my Yuletide wish to see you married this holiday season has been dashed as surely as that ruined pavilion. We cannot have a wedding here. “
Viviane’s lyrical voice rang out like the peals of a bell. “King Guillemin, I would be honored to host the winter solstice wedding at my Crystal Castle.”
All heads turned to the lovely Lady of the Lake.
“I’ve already planned to welcome guests for the holidays, Your Majesty. I have more than ample provisions. A skilled chef who is also a magnificentpâtissière.”Viviane’s irresistible smile was as convincingas her persuasive words. “The entirechâteauis elaborately decorated for Christmas. I would be delighted to host the wedding and have you all as my royal guests for the entire holiday season. From the winter solstice wedding, throughout the twelve days of Christmas, including Twelfth Night—la Fëte des Rois.”
Gabrielle tore herself from Bastien’s arms and rushed to the bottom of the grandstand. Clasping her hands together as if in prayer, she implored her father with beseeching eyes. “Oh, please, Papa. Say yes! A winter solstice wedding in the Crystal Castle…it’s my Yuletide wish come true!”
The king chuckled merrily. “Ma fille,when have I ever been able to deny you your heart’s desire?” He flashed a magnanimous grin at Lancelot’s mother. “Lady Viviane, we gratefully accept your gracious invitation. My daughter, royal guests, and I shall celebrate the winter solstice wedding of Princess Gabrielle and Bastien de Landuc,le Marquis de Cornouaille, at your lovely Crystal Castle. A perfect outcome for the Yuletide Joust, and a joyous holiday season for all.” With an expansive gesture, the king added, “And now, let us go into the castle, to my private solar. We’ll toast to the royal wedding of Gabrielle and Bastien. And celebrate today’s victory with tonight’s Yuletide Feast!”
The afternoon sun was setting over the turbulent sea. A crisp salty breeze floated through gossamer drapes of the partially opened window overlooking the craggy cliff as guests settled around the table in King Guillemin’s private parlor. Evergreen boughs decorated the mantle over the fireplace where the scent of pine and holly blended with the tempting aroma of cinnamon, citrus, and brandy as Ezhvin and two valets prepared mulled wine over the open hearth.
Once everyone had been served a goblet of the delicious brew, King Guillemin raised his chalice to propose a toast. “Let us celebrate the upcoming Winter Solstice wedding of Princess Gabrielle and Sir Bastien de Landuc,le Marquis de Cornouaille.We wish you a lifetime of love and happiness. To the future King and Queen of Finistère!”
Amid cheers and tears, Gabrielle and Bastien drank to their future, their hands clasped together in joy. Gabrielle’s heart soared as she beheld the lovelight shining in Bastien’s fierce Breton gaze.
As Gaston, Quentin, and Max sipped their goblets of mulled wine, delighted to partake of the same beverage as the adults, Lancelot chuckled and turned to speak to his mother. “Tomorrow, after the service for the fallen soldiers, I plan to ride home tola Joyeuse Gardewith my knights and return the horses to my stables.” He flashed a charming smile at Ghislaine and Laudine, seated with their husbands beside Viviane. “Would it be alright if Gaston and Quentin rode with me? I could use the help with the horses, and I’d like to show Gaston mychâteau.”
Ghislaine smiled lovingly at her young son, anxiously squirming at the edge of his seat. “Gaston would love that. Of course, he may go with you.”
Bright blue eyes widened with delight, Gaston grinned from ear to ear at Quentin as Laudine granted her permission as well.
